Elopement Inspiration & Planning Resources

The Blog

If you’re dreaming of saying your vows among the winding Merced River, misty waterfalls or cathedral-like granite of El Capitan — a Yosemite wedding is magic — but first, you must secure a Yosemite wedding permit. The National Park Service requires it for any ceremony inside Yosemite National Park, whether you’re eloping at sunrise or […]

Tips, Yosemite National Park

December 22, 2025

How to Get Your Yosemite Wedding Permit

A bride and groom walk in a yosemite valley full of fall colors.

Planning a wedding or elopement in Yosemite means choosing vendors who understand the nuances of the park. The the seasons, the rules, and the unexpected things that pop up in the mountains. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate Yosemite elopement or a celebration with a few loved ones, this guide will help you connect with […]

Yosemite National Park

November 8, 2025

Your Complete Guide to Yosemite Wedding Vendors

A couple exchanges vows overlooking Yosemite Valley.

Why Choose Mammoth Lakes for Your Wedding If there’s one thing that makes a Mammoth Lakes wedding unique, it’s the incredible variety packed into such a small stretch of land. In ten minutes, you can go from alpine lakes surrounded by snow-dusted peaks to wandering through high desert sagebrush and natural hot springs.  Imagine saying […]

Eastern Sierras, Mammoth Lakes

November 8, 2025

How to Plan a Mammoth Lakes Wedding- The Complete Guide

A bride and groom share their first kiss on their wedding day at Convict Lake in Mammoth Lakes.

Yosemite has more grandeur than any “traditional” wedding venue around. For just $150 bucks, you can get married at one of the most stunning Yosemite wedding locations in the world- surrounded by granite cliffs, waterfalls, and golden light. I’m a Sierra Nevada local and grew up right outside Yosemite National Park. I love sharing all […]

Yosemite National Park

November 4, 2025

Yosemite Wedding Locations | A Local Photographer’s Guide

A bride and groom kiss in the dark at Taft point on their wedding day.

While Mammoth Lakes may be relatively small, there is no shortage of friendly, outdoor-loving locals who delight in making your Mammoth Lakes wedding day easy and stress-free. I’ve had the pleasure of working with these folks and can recommend them wholeheartedly.  If you’re planning a Mammoth Lakes Wedding, check out my Mammoth page for lots […]

Mammoth Lakes

October 26, 2025

Best Mammoth Wedding Vendors

Lauren & Grant hosted a carefree, summer Yosemite Elopement that included all their favorite people. The ceremony took place at the Glacier Point amphitheater, which boasts an iconic view of Half Dome. Following the vows, the group headed back towards Yosemite Valley, to peaceful Cathedral Beach, where they shared a catered picnic brunch.  These two […]

Yosemite National Park

October 24, 2025

Joyful Summer Yosemite Elopement

A groom kisses his bride at sunset on a cliff at Yosemite National Park.

(and free public lands) Do you love public lands and are looking for the most beautiful places to host your elopement or small wedding? The Mammoth Lakes region and the Eastern Sierras deliver with mountain views, scenic trails and laid back adventure for your Mammoth Lakes Wedding. From dispersed outdoor sites to charming mammoth lakes […]

Eastern Sierras, Mammoth Lakes

October 20, 2025

Mammoth Lakes Wedding Venues

Yosemite is one of the most visited National Parks in the world, and for good reason. It’s stunning, with unbeatable views and photo ops- perfect for a small wedding or Yosemite elopement. So should you host your wedding in Yosemite? As a Sierra Nevada native, here’s my honest photographer’s take on planning a Yosemite elopement. […]

Yosemite National Park

October 16, 2025

Should you elope in Yosemite?

A bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day, in front of Half Dome, in Yosemite National Park.

Is an elopement right for you? This is a big decision!  And it’s ok if you’re not sure how you want to get married.  I want to remind you that there is no right or wrong way.  BE TRUE TO YOURSELVES!  There are no do-overs and you don’t want to walk away from this day […]

Tips

June 2, 2025

Should you elope? California Elopement vs Big Wedding

A bride and groom take a walk at sunset on their Mammoth Lakes Wedding.

It’s always so special when “one of our own” gets married. So when a couple of my friends (and fellow creatives) chose a Mammoth Lakes elopement — I had all the feelings when Kelsey & Matt made that choice in the Eastern Sierras. I met Matt when we discovered a mutual love for photography. I […]

Eastern Sierras, Mammoth Lakes

May 23, 2025

Mammoth Lakes Elopement Adventure

A bride wearing wearing heart shaped glasses hugs her groom from behind while they look off into the distance at a sunset.

joleen@love-wildly.com